"Help! I'm living in the Charente...

But what happens when you get over here...?

... You start finding all those little things that the books and programmes don't tell you?
You find you need a little bit of help or advice on a
particular project?
Or administrative roadblocks hinder your progress?

Or maybe you have been settled here for some years?

You have overcome or sidestepped the hurdles?

And you would like to pass some of that experience on?

Or perhaps you have products or services that will help others
settle in?

Were you answering 'yes' to any of the above?
If so this site has been written with you in mind.

If you're just starting out, there are helpful hints and tips as well
as in-depth advice on living in Charente.
If you have recently moved and need help or guidance, there are
plenty of services to call upon.
If you have been here for some time and have experience or
services to offer, then let us know.

We've had a lot of questions
re moving to France and living in the Charente recently,
so please see our new Forum for longer term accommodation
if you are looking to "try before you buy".

This site is independent of any property or travel companies and is here simply to help with your integration into the Charentaise way of life.  Access to the site and the advice is completely free and we welcome enquiries and feedback.

Each page covers a wide range of topics to help with looking for your property in France and when you have found your dream home there is advice on moving to France and living in the Charente.

Site Guide:
Moving - from your first trip over, to waving off the removal van, including:
        Travel - how to get here and what to bring and lots more
        Finding a property - with or without estate agents
        Moving with animals - and the documentation you will need to bring
        Accommodation - while you look around
        Buying a house - who does what and things to look out for
        Removals - self-drive van or bring in the professionals?

Improving - dedicated to moving your project forward, helping with:
        Shopping around - where to find what you need
        Regulations - ...legally!
        DIY dictionary - a useful list of DIY words & phrases

Living in Charente - all about the area and the services available:
        History of the sud-Charente - some useful snippets
        Out & about - a what's on and where to go guide
        Shopping - basics, bargains and baubles
                       including a guide to French Clothing Sizes
        Schools - finding your way round the education system
        Cars - registering, trading-in, buying what you want
        Marriage - what to do if you want to tie le knot
        Retirement - drawing your pension and making life easy
        Hospitals and health care - a look into the French health service
        Language - cracking those conjugations...
        Weather - with links to keep you up to date with the latest                forecasts...
       

Working - how to earn a living in the Charente
        Taxes - a look at Local taxes and the TV Licence
        Running a Business - what to do and where to find help doing it
        Running gites and chambre d'hotes -some helpful hints and resources